Cliffe Preschool

In November 2023, vegetable growing, water exploration and learning to dress for outdoor play gave Cliffe Preschool a practical, hands-on character. At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, with positive findings about children's relationships with staff and their communication skills.

The preschool has capacity for 14 children in total. In November 2023, the children attending were aged 2 to 4; that age range describes the children at that visit.

In November 2023, play gave children opportunities to investigate their own ideas. They poured water between cups and teapots, explored shaving foam and assembled towers from construction resources. These activities brought sensory exploration and physical coordination into ordinary play.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2023 examples included exploring size and shape with play dough, making marks, hearing stories and practising rhymes: foundations for mathematics, writing and language through play.

Outside, a spacious garden provided apparatus for climbing and balancing, alongside sand exploration and pretend shopping. In November 2023, children also grew cucumbers, potatoes and carrots during warmer months. The outdoor provision connected movement with practical experiences of growing food.

In November 2023, settling arrangements began with information from families about children's familiar routines. Staff used this to shape care, giving relationships a starting point in what children already knew. Conversations, signs and repeated vocabulary supported children as they learnt to express themselves.

Communication with parents combined an online app with daily conversations and opportunities to discuss children in person. In November 2023, staff also worked with teachers from local schools to prepare children for moving on. This was transition support, rather than an admissions advantage.

Independence had practical expression. In November 2023, older children practised toileting and dressing themselves, while staff introduced oral-health messages and supported safe knife use. Children shared resources and learnt to follow boundaries, bringing self-care and consideration for others into the day.

The address is The Portakabin, Main Street, Cliffe, Selby, YO8 6NN.

In November 2023, the preschool operated on weekdays during term time, with session times of 8.30am to 3.15pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe its operation at that date.

• Building on existing skills. The November 2023 inspection identified activities that did not consistently use staff's knowledge of individual children and called for more precise oversight of teaching. These are the two improvement priorities against which families can assess subsequent practice.
• Term-time rhythm. In November 2023, attendance followed the school terms and the session window ended at 3.15pm. How would the current booking arrangements fit your working day and holiday childcare needs?

Cliffe Preschool's November 2023 picture suits families drawn to practical play, outdoor movement and developing independence. Its garden experiences and everyday language work give that picture substance. The dated term-time arrangement is also central to the decision, alongside the need for activities to build more consistently on each child's existing skills.